Love - Jeremiah's Vow

Lent 2022 | Day 29: Charity

In our modern translations of the Bible one word has been modernized that can leave us with, what I believe, is an incomplete impression of its meaning. That word is love. The depth of meaning of this word in English can be difficult to describe. And understanding how we should understand this word’s usage when we find it in the Scriptures can create some unhelpful confusion.

We have all heard that in Greek the word love can be represented by several Greek words. We will not rehearse that here. However, it is worth noting that in older versions of English translations the word love was very often translated as charity. The meaning of the word charity has shifted in the centuries since it was first used as the translation for the Greek word agape. And in the transition, I believe that we have lost an important aspect of what God’s love looks like towards us.

In common usage today the word charity describes the act of one person towards another where the first person is offering benevolence towards the second. The idea is that the person extending charity is giving to the other person something that is not within their power to attain. This is often seen in the form of giving food or shelter or money to those in poverty. But there are other forms of charity many of which you may already practice.

The question I think we should consider is why do we not want to see God’s love toward us with this in mind? In what way or for what reason should we not see God’s grace as a form of charity toward us?

We are incapable of accepting this, I believe, because of our sin. The separation our sin causes in our re-establishing our relationship with God can make us feel worse when God what’s to show his love toward us. But God, who is love, has reached down from heaven in the person of Jesus Christ and has made a way for us to reconnect with him. This demonstration of love is in its truest form an act of charity. Where God is extending to us what we could never acquire for ourselves.

There is no reason to feel that this diminishes us in any way. Just because someone receives charity it is not an attack on the inherent dignity they possess. But it could be easy to see why some would be concerned with this understanding. We should do all we can to remember that love is the act of one performed for the benefit of another. The way that that love is expressed is dependent on the circumstances in which the recipient finds themselves.

When we fully understand the state in which we find ourselves because of sin we should adopt a posture of humility. To reject God’s love because God recognizes we can do nothing without him is a form of pride. And it is one that should be rejected.

God’s love toward us is something we can never earn, and in a very real sense, do not deserve. This is not a statement designed to make us feel bad. It is a statement designed to help us gain the perspective we need to approach God and receive from God in humility and sincerity.

As we continue our journey towards Easter morning, I pray we will not be distracted by the circumstances of life that would keep us from receiving God’s love. The fact that God, who does not need to earn our approval, has chosen to extend his love toward us should inspire us to seek him more intently. God’s love, properly defined, is charity toward us. For God who knows all things, who sees all things, and who has all power has chosen to extend toward us his infinite charity.

This is a reason to rejoice and worship God. Let us do that without reservation today and every day of our lives to come.

Give Us Ears To Hear Ep. 4 – Toxic Relationships

In this conversation we are talking about the cultural phrase “toxic relationships.” It’s something that we hear used and something maybe you have used – but have we thought about what it actually applies to and what it doesn’t? If you’d like to continue the conversation, leave a comment or send a message. I would love to hear from you!

My hope is not to condemn people in how they’ve used the phrase. But to simply reorient ourselves to how we can take seriously the unhealthy things in our life while at the same time looking to live like Jesus. Check out the video:

Give Us Ears To Hear Ep. 4 - Toxic Relationships

Selective Outrage and the god named “Social Media”

If you claim to be a Christian, and if you cannot separate your feelings about an issue from your feelings about a person or people, then we have a problem.

If you frequent social media then selective outrage is not a new concept for you, because you are constantly flooded with examples of it…

I actually posted on Facebook about this over a year ago. Remember when Harambe was killed? I bet you haven’t thought about that in a long time due the amount of outrage that has popped up since then. Well here is some of what I said:

“This new culture of selective outrage is about the dumbest thing since the Roman Coliseum. Basically our culture has returned to the ignorance of the masses that existed in the Roman Empire. We are the most school educated and socially ignorant society that has ever existed up to this point. We know a lot of things about everything, except how people should actually live together. Technology has simply reverted us to a place of base humanity. We’ve become barbaric in how we treat one another and react to our fellow humans. We can’t hold normal conversations about serious issues anymore. And that’s just sad. We should all be sad.

“I wish people were this passionate about things that mattered in life. Like their marriages, and families, and Jesus. If we had this sort of passion about seeing our world actually be a place where people are loved, supported, and matured – then maybe we wouldn’t have ever had this incident to begin with. Maybe we could redirect all this wasted energy into something productive? Here’s to hoping…”

Here is the common denominator in all our cultural social media wars:

Most seem to care deeply about our opinions on current issues (and boldly declare to everyone where we stand).

Few seem to care deeply about the people we disagree with about that issue (and typically try to demonize those people).

This is evidence of our worship of Social Media as we use it to promote ourselves at the cost of others.

Concerning the first 2 statements:

If you claim to be a Christian, and if you cannot separate your feelings about an issue from your feelings about a person or people, then we have a problem. And likely, you should be concerned that you may not have the Spirit of God in your life – or at least not leading your life. Before you go attacking me about this, let’s look at what God has to say.

Here is a quick overview of a few Scriptures that teach us about quarreling, fighting, being angry, and name calling – which are all aspects of our current culture of selective outrage:

Proverbs 20:3 [NLT] – “Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.”

Matthew 5:22 [NLT] – “But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.”

Romans 13:9-14 [NLT] – “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law…Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ…”

2 Timothy 2:23 [NLT] – “Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.”

So we must watch ourselves closely. Mostly because our selective outrage not only affects our witness as Christians to the world, but also reveals a lot about what is inside of us. And because too many of us think that just because we can do something, that we should – but that is false, and un-Biblical (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Concerning the 3^rd statement:

Christian, stop worshiping at the altar of your Social Media.

You might feel like that is harsh. But I am speaking to all of us as modern American Christians – myself at the top of the list.

We have bowed our knees and lives to the god of Social Media. How do I know?

Where do we run when we feel lonely?

Where do we look when we are seeking affirmation?

Where do we go to share our concerns, our needs, our desires, and our questions?

Where do we spend the majority of our time throughout the day?

You would think Paul taught us to check social media “without ceasing” instead of praying…

The root of our sin

If you think this is difficult to hear, I know. It hit me first! I am only sharing what I have been feeling God confronting me with in my own life. But we need to think deeply about what Social Media is doing to us and how it is distracting us!

The sinfulness of selective outrage is rampant among believers on Social Media. And if you think God is just overlooking these actions, you are wrong. If you think God is ignoring what you post, the anger with which you comment, or the condemnation you feel when you share or re-tweet, then you are sadly mistaken.

We have allowed this to go on for too long without confronting and rebuking this sin. And what is the sin at the core of this issue? Pride.

The desire to be heard. The desire to be seen. The desire to be right. The desire to be popular. The desire to be like God and stand in judgment of those we deem beneath us.

I know this sin well because I constantly have to identify it in my own life and overcome it by the Spirit’s power. It’s like a lion that we keep in a cage like a pet, when what we should do is kill it. But we don’t, because whether we admit it or not, we kind of like how it make us feel when we let it out to play.

Social Media, and more so your pride, is killing you from the inside out. And your use of social media might be influencing other people’s eternities, as they see someone who calls themselves a Christian and yet behaves like the Devil’s second cousin on social media. Watch out my brothers and sisters that you do not cause someone to stumble on account of your pride. Heed these words from Jesus’ own brother:

James 3:2-12 – “For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

“We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

“But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

“People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.”

So what does Christian love look like in the era of social media selective outrage?

If Jesus had a social media profile, I’m pretty sure he would see all of the hatred Christians are spreading with their participation in the current culture of selective outrage and call us “white-washed tombs” (Matthew 23:27).

Matthew 23:28 [NLT] – “Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy…”

A Christian approach to what is happening has to look different than what we are seeing. It should look like taming our tongue: not commenting on someone’s status you are angry about, not posting about a divisive issue just so people can know your opinion, not sharing articles and memes that are clearly filled with hate, and so on.

It looks like compassionately listening to people and putting ourselves into their situation. Not immediately reacting based upon your own opinions, judgments, presuppositions, or preferences. But taking time to live as Jesus lived – “eating and drinking” (Luke 7:34) with those we disagree and are looking to understand.

It looks like laying down our lives, rights, and feelings, so that we might display for the world the same love that Christ displayed for us.

The 7 Last Words of Christ | “Mother”

²⁵ but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” ²⁷ Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:25-27, emphasis added)

Meditation on the Third Word

Of all the words that Jesus spoke that afternoon, this is the one that stands juxtaposed against the others. In the midst of all the suffering and pain that he was experiencing and that was being witnessed by those present, none could have been more devastated that Mary, Jesus’ mother. Mary was the beneficiary of the single greatest revelation of that God has even given. It was to Mary that the Messiah was sent, not merely in word but in actuality. It was within Mary’s womb that the Messiah was conceived and it was from her womb that the salvation of humankind would proceed. And, even now, as Jesus was dying He thinks of her and entrusts her into the hands of his dear friend John. Jesus’ exemplifies for us that earthly responsibilities are not something to be dismissed as life draws to a close. Have you thought of your family and friends in light of your mortality? What would have life for them to remember of you? What would you change if what they may remember is not what you desire? Jesus loved Mary to the end.

Song of Realization

“Mary did you know?” by CeeLo Green

Joey + Rory | “A Story of Love and Preparation for Loss”

This past week I saw the call for prayers for Joey Feek circulating on social media. Up until that point, I was not familiar with this bluegrass/country duo.

Joey is dying. She has cancer and it is slowly destroying her body.

As I was reading Rory’s perspective, of a husband losing his wife to cancer, I was struck by the love with which he talks about his bride. He does not shy away from the raw emotions that he feels. He is open and honest about the struggles that have marked their journey together for the last few months. I was touched by this.

As a musical group, much of how they interact with life is through the music they make and sing. It seems that several years ago a friend wrote a song about her own loss. As they considered what tracks to include on their most recent project they picked their friends song, “When I’m Gone.”

As they discussed making a video for the song, they decided to record it from Joey’s point of view. Rory’s reaction to this decision resonated with me.

I didn’t like it.

I told them so. It hit too close to home.

But as they continued to talk and I listened… I realized that “yes, of course. We have to make it that way. It’s the story in the song”.

It wasn’t what I wanted… but it’s what the song wanted. And though it scared me for us to be that vulnerable, it was also what our whole lives and music career was about – being real… being honest.

And so the cameras rolled and both Joey and I let us ourselves imagine what it would be like if she had to leave this world and I was left behind without her… [Source]

I have to agree with Rory, no one wants to have to think about these things. No one should have to. However, life on this fallen planet does not give us that option. I have prayed for this family I do not know. I pray that God gives them peace and comfort in this time of preparation and mourning. We sometimes forget that mourning is a process that can begin long before a person is finally gone from this world.

Joey+Rory - When I'm Gone (Official Video)

My marriage is a TEENAGER!

I am so blessed. God brought an amazing woman into my life eighteen years ago. For the last 13, I have had the privilege of calling her my wife.

It is amazing when I think about it. She has been a part of my life for more than half of it. The crazy part is that we are still here. Still working it out. Still trying to figure out what we are supposed to be doing. Through it all, we have learned a lot about ourselves and each others.

Miranda, I love you.

“The High Cost of Love” | Remembering Frank Thompson

julie and frank

Frank LaDon Thompson

August 19, 1969 – October 14, 2015

Yesterday afternoon I was sitting at home watching a baseball game when I found out that my friend Frank’s journey here on earth had come to an end. He died due to complications related to his heart and kidney transplant surgery.

The sensation of numbness washed over me like a wave. And then another came. And then another.

It is always surreal to hear the news of a death. There is the finality of it all. Knowing that the next time you think about them, all you will have are the cherished memories you made with them. Knowing that you will not be able to call or text or message them. Knowing in a way that, quite literally, takes your breath away. Where you voice catches in your throat and you experience that waves of sadness wash over you again.

It’s always worse at the beginning. The power and weight of the waves seem to not let up. You struggle to find your bearings or even catch you breath. You feel like you are drowning, even wondering if that would be better than this. Anything would be better, or so it feels at the moment.

I met Frank and Julie while I was serving as the youth pastor of the First United Methodist Church is Cordele, GA. I did not know them all that well. Cordele First was Julie’s family’s home church. I had known her youngest sister from college, something I found out later. And one day while at the church Julie asked me if I would be interested in officiating their wedding. Honestly, I cannot remember why they asked me to do their wedding. We had crossed paths at the church during their visits but, I don’t remember doing or saying anything that impressive or memorable. Nonetheless, they asked and I accepted.

We did their marriage counseling over Skype and I knew that these two were good people. The kind of people who make you feel accepted and cared for. The kind of people who know how to love. They loved deeply, sincerely. With every fiber of their being they gave of themselves to each other and to those who accepted what they offered.

I knew they were going to make it as a couple and a family because of the way they laughed, both individually and together. I have always been an observer of laughter. What we laugh at tells a lot about us. But, how we laugh says even more. And Frank and Julie knew how to laugh. Those laughs, both distinct and unique. Both memorable. Both true expressions of the souls that saw the joy of life and love.

When I found out about Frank’s heart problems I began to pray. Many of us who loved them did. We saw the changes. We knew it was serious. So we prayed. We prayed because that is what we are supposed to do. And through it all Frank remained positive. Burdened by the reality of his situation, and yet resolute to love and lead his family through it. This he did like the man I remember. He promised to be there for Julie through it all. I was there when he made that promise. But Julie made a promise too. A promise she made to which she has remained true.

It may be something bred into the Adams women because they are strong. In Julie that strength is more like a fire. It looks calm and tame. But look long enough and you will see it. In meekness she fought the fight for life with her husband. She fought with him and for him until the end. There was no surrender, no backing down, no letting go. Not until it was time.

This is the high cost of love. To give of yourself until there is nothing left. To give to those who have captured your heart and whose lives have become indistinguishably intertwined with your own. When you love like this there is a price to be paid. And we pay it gladly. We recognize the risk and accept it because we would rather feel the pain on the other side of our present joy, than to have never felt the love at all.

The depth of our mourning is a measure of the quality of our love. Frank is being mourned by his wife, children, family, and friends today (and for days to come). We mourn for him because he gave us a part of himself and, now that he is gone from this world, we do not want to lose what he gifted to us.

I will continue to pray for Julie and the girls. I will pray for all of us who knew him. And, in the midst of the sorrow, I will find a way rejoice because Frank was a man of faith. He loved others with the love he himself had come to know. So, while I mourn, I want to also rejoice and remember my friend, not just because he died, but because of the way he lived his life.

This post has been updated.

A Perfect Match: A Story of Love and Marriage, In Sickness and in Health

Justin gave to his wife in actuality what most men only give in theory. Justin gave of himself.

I have known this wonderful couple for a long time. The circumstances of life and geography have moved us in different directions. However, we are fortunate to live in a world where technology allows you to keep up with the goings on of anothers life.
Continue reading “A Perfect Match: A Story of Love and Marriage, In Sickness and in Health”

Happy Father’s Day | A Tribute to My Dad

While I am hardly at a loss for words, talking about how powerful an impact my father has had in my life is one of the things that I can’t aptly describe.

When this happens I tend to look for songs that help. That being the case here you go!

Happy Father’s Day, Pai!

Paul Overstreet - Seein' My Father In Me

God’s Love Through Paul’s Eyes

First Corinthians 13 has been called the chapter of love. It contains beautiful and poetic language regarding the nature of love. As I have read it this week, I found myself struck by the opening verses of that passage. There is something in the way that Paul instructs the Corinthian church that deeds without proper motive are vacuous and utterly worthless efforts.

At first it is difficult to understand why Paul takes such a hard stance on our need to love in all we do. Sure, it makes sense that we should be kind and generous to others. We should not see to do harm to those who have wronged us. But, there is something else at work in Paul’s examples. He reminds us that we must take care not to get lost in our own spiritual endeavors that we forget our companions on the way.

Paul highlights that the possession and exercise of spiritual gifts does not give us license to do as we wish. The examples Paul uses are spectacular. These are not small or insignificant gifts. She are big, visible, in-your-face gifts, but if it’s about the individual then it is nothing more than a charade. It seems that the temptation to take advantage of spiritual gifts was something that had become common place in that church. The struggle to remain humble had given way to personal gain and influence.

Paul ends the chapter by telling us that of all the gifts that will abide faith, hope, and love will remain forever. These three are given prominence among all of God’s gifts to the saints because they are different from the all the others. All the spiritual gifts discussed in chapter 12 are to be used by the believer for the benefit of those in the church. Faith, hope, and love are not like this. These three are given to the believer as a means of confirming the presence of God within us. The fact that faith, hope, and love will abide forever, is an indication that what God has done was intended to produce these three things from the start.

The question that rolls around in my mind is why love is the greatest. What is it about the nature of love that make it rise above the other two? I think it is greatest because it is a reflection of God’s own character. Love, while it resides within us, must be expressed sacrificially. I can speak in tongues, move mountains, and give everything away and it not really be a burden or a struggle to do so. It makes us feel good to do those thing most of the time. But, when the task required is costly; when it calls for a deeper level of commitment; when there is no inherent benefit to me, love must be present for me to act.

Love is sacrificial. When we love the way God does, it forces us to not consider the ramifications to ourselves. We see the one in need and we are compelled to act. Love is more than just an emotion. A true act of love engages us to the very core of our being.

I think Paul understood this better than most. After all he had done, God loved him and taught him how to love others. As I read this famous chapter, I read it as an acknowledgement by Paul of what he experienced when God loved him and saved him. This is Paul’s description of God’s love toward him, the chief of sinners. A magnificent one at that.